In Present Perfect, psychologist Dr. Pavel Somov writes that many people, especially perfectionists, “[dismiss] the present as having only the significance of being a step on the way to a future moment of completion and accomplishment.”

In other words, they tend to:

fixate on meeting goals

have too much to do

multi-task

always be in a rush

stay late at work/bring work home

reject downtime

But living this way isn’t fulfilling.

Our days might be full, but when we look back, it’s like we weren’t there. We miss out on life when each moment is a means to the next.

Contrarily, time seems to expand when we’re alert to whatever’s in front of us.

Dr. Somov tells us to see for ourselves:

Note the time on a piece of paper. Take 10 mindful breaths, then guess how much time has passed. Compare your guess to the elapsed time.

It’s okay to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Indeed, doing so makes us happier.

3) Revise your expectations

The philosophy of Taoism teaches us to respect nature’s rhythm.

Us humans tend to have our own agenda. And when things don’t get done on time, we roll our eyes and push harder.

Focused mode is when we zoom in on tasks, details and information. During breaks, diffuse mode kicks in, which helps us fructify ideas and make new connections.

Both modes are necessary. And staying in focused mode for too long exhausts us and curtails productivity.

Instead, try the Pomodoro Technique: work intensely for 25 minutes. Then give yourself permission to take a walk, listen to music or daydream for 5 minutes.

After 4 pomodoros, or 25-minute work sessions, take a 20- to 30-minute break. Repeat the cycle.

Yay for guilt-free breaks!

5) Infuse tasks with joy

When I rush through my to-do list, I try to remember: Stop and take a deep breath, Annie.

Then, I check my intentions: What’s my higher purpose?

For example, preparing dinner used to be a chore. But now it has become an opportunity to cultivate joy and presence.

My partner Loïc and I begin the ritual by choosing a vinyl to listen to. (At the moment, we’re gaga over Common’s Resurrection.) The familiar sound of the needle hitting the record brings a smile to our faces.

Then we get to our posts: Loïc chops the vegetables, his Santoku knife drumming on the bamboo cutting board. I rinse the rice and operate the stove.

Often, I imagine the many people who helped produce the rice, the carrots and cabbage. I feel grateful for the sun, water and earth.

And when we finally sit down to eat, Loïc and I marvel at how much more delicious our simple meals taste.

You too can infuse any mundane task with joy, peace or love.

Try it and see what happens.

Too much to do… or an abundance of chances

It’s easy to get caught up in being productive.

After all, we’re contending with our society’s mindset, based on fear and scarcity.

But every single action you take can inspire yourself and others to choose love over fear.

So, dare to do things differently, mindfully.

Without a doubt, the world needs it.

About the author

Annie Moussu is a spiritual coach offering practical wisdom to awakening souls. The world needs your inner peace. Sign up for her newsletter to get blog articles twice a month.